Message broadcasting in a clustered computing environment

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide message broadcasting within a clustered computing environment such as a Cloud computing environment. Specifically, under the present invention, a message is received in a message queue (e.g., on a message queue server). From the message queue, the message is sent to a single node of a plurality of heterogeneous nodes within the clustered computing environment. The single node can be selected based on any factor such as a best available node within the plurality of nodes. This single node will process the message and identify a set of message listeners to whom the message should be broadcast. Typically, the set of message listeners is identified based on a topic of the message and an association of the topic to the set of message listeners (e.g., as set forth in a table or the like). In any event, the single node will then publish the message to the set of message listeners. Delivery confirmations, responses, etc. associated with the message will then be tracked, processed, and/or routed by the single node. Thus, embodiments of the present invention obviate the need for a given message from having to be delivered to and/or processed by multiple nodes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to clustered computingenvironments such as a Cloud computing environment. Specifically, thepresent invention relates to message broadcasting within a clusteredcomputing environment.

BACKGROUND

Publish/subscribe messaging is an effective method for distributingmessages to many listeners. This is ideal when it is desired to supportmessaging across many listeners (e.g., across a clustered computingenvironment). However, in many clustered computing environments,multiple heterogeneous nodes are provided that have substantiallyidentical or similar software implementations. In typical messagingapproaches, a given message will be delivered to all or many such nodes.Each node receiving a message will then process the message and publishthe message to applicable listeners. Such repetition often causesdelivery of multiple substantially identical messages (e.g., to the samelistener). Moreover, the consumption of resources required for suchprocessing is unnecessarily high.

SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present invention provide messagebroadcasting within a clustered computing environment such as a Cloudcomputing environment. Specifically, under the present invention, amessage is received in a message queue (e.g., on a message queueserver). From the message queue, the message is sent to a single node ofa plurality of heterogeneous nodes within the clustered computingenvironment. The single node can be selected based on any factor such asa best available node within the plurality of nodes. This single nodewill process the message and identify a set of message listeners to whomthe message should be broadcast. Typically, the set of message listenersis identified based on a topic of the message and an association of thetopic to the set of message listeners (e.g., as set forth in a table orthe like). In any event, the single node will then publish the messageto the set of message listeners. Delivery confirmations, responses, etc.associated with the message will then be tracked, processed, and/orrouted by the single node. Thus, embodiments of the present inventionobviate the need a given message from having to be delivered to and/orprocessed by multiple nodes.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for messagebroadcasting in a clustered computing environment, comprising: receivinga message in a message queue; selecting a single node from a pluralityof nodes in the clustered computing environment; processing the messageon the single node; identifying a set of message listeners to receivethe message based on a topic of the message using the single node; andbroadcasting the message to the set of message listeners from the singlenode.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a system for messagebroadcasting in a clustered computing environment, comprising: a bus; aprocessor coupled to the bus; and a memory medium coupled to the bus,the memory medium comprising instructions to: receive a message in amessage queue; select a single node from a plurality of nodes in theclustered computing environment; process the message on the single node;identify a set of message listeners to receive the message based on atopic of the message using the single node; and broadcast the message tothe set of message listeners from the single node.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer programproduct for message broadcasting in a clustered computing environment,the computer program product comprising a computer readable storagemedia, and program instructions stored on the computer readable storagemedia, to: receive a message in a message queue; select a single nodefrom a plurality of nodes in the clustered computing environment;process the message on the single node; identify a set of messagelisteners to receive the message based on a topic of the message usingthe single node; and broadcast the message to the set of messagelisteners from the single node.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for deployinga system for message broadcasting in a clustered computing environment,comprising: providing a computer infrastructure having functionality to:receive a message in a message queue; select a single node from aplurality of nodes in the clustered computing environment; process themessage on the single node; identify a set of message listeners toreceive the message based on a topic of the message using the singlenode; and broadcast the message to the set of message listeners from thesingle node.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a Cloud computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a Cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts Cloud abstraction model layers according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a system for broadcasting a message within a clusteredcomputing environment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 depicts a method flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merelyschematic representations, not intended to portray specific parametersof the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typicalembodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numberingrepresents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For convenience, the Detailed Description has the following sections:

I. Cloud Computing Definitions

II. Detailed Implementation of Embodiments of the Invention

I. Cloud Computing Definitions

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on Cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a Cloud computing environment. Rather,the embodiments of the present invention are capable of beingimplemented in conjunction with any type of clustered computingenvironment now known or later developed.

In any event, the following definitions have been derived from the“Draft NIST Working Definition of Cloud Computing” by Peter Mell and TimGrance, dated Oct. 7, 2009, which is cited on an IDS filed herewith, anda copy of which is attached thereto.

Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand networkaccess to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g.,networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can berapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orservice provider interaction. This Cloud model promotes availability andis comprised of at least five characteristics, at least three servicemodels, and at least four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: A consumer can unilaterally provision computingcapabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed,automatically without requiring human interaction with each service'sprovider.

Broad network access: Capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: The provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according toconsumer demand. There is a sense of location independence in that theconsumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact locationof the provided resources but may be able to specify location at ahigher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).Examples of resources include storage, processing, memory, networkbandwidth, and virtual machines.

Rapid elasticity: Capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS): The capability provided to theconsumer is to use the provider's applications running on a Cloudinfrastructure. The applications are accessible from various clientdevices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g.,web-based email). The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingCloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems,storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possibleexception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS): The capability provided to theconsumer is to deploy onto the Cloud infrastructure consumer-created oracquired applications created using programming languages and toolssupported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control theunderlying Cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operatingsystems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications andpossibly application-hosting environment configurations.

Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingCloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private Cloud: The Cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community Cloud: The Cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public Cloud: The Cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingCloud services.

Hybrid Cloud: The Cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreClouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., Cloud bursting forload-balancing between Clouds).

A Cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.

II. Detailed Implementation of Embodiments of the Invention

As indicated above, embodiments of the present invention provide messagebroadcasting within a clustered computing environment such as a Cloudcomputing environment. Specifically, under the present invention, amessage is received in a message queue (e.g., on a message queueserver). From the message queue, the message is sent to a single node ofa plurality of heterogeneous nodes within the clustered computingenvironment. The single node can be selected based on any factor such asa best available node within the plurality of nodes. This single nodewill process the message and identify a set of message listeners to whomthe message should be broadcast. Typically, the set of message listenersis identified based on a topic of the message and an association of thetopic to the set of message listeners (e.g., as set forth in a table orthe like). In any event, the single node will then publish the messageto the set of message listeners. Delivery confirmations, responses, etc.associated with the message will then be tracked, processed and/orrouted by the single node. Thus, embodiments of the present inventionobviate the need for a given message from having to be delivered toand/or processed by multiple nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an exemplary Cloud computingnode is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitableCloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of the invention described herein.Regardless, Cloud computing node 10 is capable of being implementedand/or performing any of the functions set forth in Section I above.

In Cloud computing node 10, there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed Cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. The exemplary computer system/server 12 may be practiced indistributed Cloud computing environments where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed Cloud computing environment, program modulesmay be located in both local and remote computer system storage mediaincluding memory storage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system/server 12 in Cloud computing node 10is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable and volatile/non-volatile computer systemstorage media. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be providedfor reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magneticmedia (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although notshown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to aremovable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and anoptical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable,non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other opticalmedia can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus18 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted anddescribed below, memory 28 may include at least one program producthaving a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configuredto carry out the functions of the invention.

The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium ora computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage mediummay be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specificexamples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage mediumwould include the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magneticstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In thecontext of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be anytangible medium that can contain, or store, a program for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in basebandor as part of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any ofa variety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic,optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signalmedium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computerreadable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, ortransport a program for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium including, but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, radio-frequency (RF), etc., or anysuitable combination of the foregoing.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one ormore networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via networkadapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the othercomponents of computer system/server 12 via bus 18. It should beunderstood that although not shown, other hardware and/or softwarecomponents could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 12.Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers,redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems,tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative Cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, Cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or moreCloud computing nodes 10 with which computing devices such as, forexample, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone 54A,desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C, and/or automobile computersystem 54N communicate. This allows for infrastructure, platforms,and/or software to be offered as services (as described above in SectionI) from Cloud computing environment 50 so that each client does not haveto separately maintain such resources. It is understood that the typesof computing devices 54A-N shown in FIG. 2 are intended to beillustrative only and that Cloud computing environment 50 cancommunicate with any type of computerized device over any type ofnetwork and/or network/addressable connection (e.g., using a webbrowser).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby Cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 3 are intended to be illustrative only, and the invention is notlimited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and correspondingfunctions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include mainframes. In oneexample, IBM® zSeries® systems and RISC (Reduced Instruction SetComputer) architecture based servers. In one example, IBM pSeries®systems; IBM xSeries® systems; IBM BladeCenter® systems; storagedevices; networks, and networking components. Examples of softwarecomponents include network application server software. In one example,IBM WebSphere® application server software and database software. In oneexample, IBM DB2® database software. (IBM, zSeries, pSeries, xSeries,BladeCenter, WebSphere, and DB2 are trademarks of International BusinessMachines Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.)

Virtualization layer 62 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing exemplary virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers;virtual storage; virtual networks, including virtual private networks;virtual operating system(s), virtual applications; and virtual clients.

Management layer 64 provides the exemplary functions described below.Resource provisioning provides dynamic procurement of computingresources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks withinthe Cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing provide costtracking as resources are utilized within the Cloud computingenvironment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification forconsumers/users and tasks, as well as protection for data and otherresources. User portal provides access to the Cloud computingenvironment for both users and system administrators. Service levelmanagement provides Cloud computing resource allocation and managementsuch that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA)planning and fulfillment provides pre-arrangement for, and procurementof, Cloud computing resources for which a future requirement isanticipated in accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 66 provides functionality for which the Cloud computingenvironment is utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which maybe provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation; softwaredevelopment and lifecycle management; virtual classroom educationdelivery; data analytics processing; transaction processing; and messagebroadcasting. As mentioned above, all of the foregoing examplesdescribed with respect to FIG. 3 are illustrative only, and theinvention is not limited to these examples.

It is understood all functions of the present invention as describedherein are typically performed by message broadcast function, which canbe tangibly embodied as modules of program code 42 of program/utility 40(FIG. 1).

It is reiterated that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on Cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a Cloud computing environment. Rather, theembodiments of the present invention are intended to be implemented withany type of clustered computing environment now known or laterdeveloped.

One of the primary design patterns for scaling applications is to havesubstantially identical nodes that perform the same functions.Differentiating like nodes where the program code stays the same is achallenge faced by anyone applying this pattern and, as such, solutionsto the problem are of considerable value. Embodiments of the presentinvention provide a solution for performing localized messagepublication/subscription with once and only once delivery in a clusterof otherwise substantially identical nodes. This allows for one-to-manymessaging to exist at each node of a cluster but have localization ofthe message (i.e., the message is processed at a single node).

A Cloud computing environment may include at least three parts: a richweb experience; business services; and a Cloud management system.Embodiments of the invention may provide an asynchronous approach and,as such, there is a need to deliver events from the Cloud managementsystem that the rich web experience and business systems can utilize.The web application components may scale in a clone-like fashion wheremultiple similar nodes provide service for requests. Event processing inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention are handled byonly one node at a time. For example, if the status is updated on aCloud resource (e.g., “success”), that information does not need to beprocessed by every node in the cluster. In fact, undesirable effects mayoccur if the messages are processed by every node, potentially by manyconsumers. To make this model extensible, messages need to reach any onenode in a cluster and then get broadcasted locally to the node's contextand then consumed by any listeners looking for those messages. Thismeans the message “success” can trigger many actions but is localized toa node and not the cluster, without actual differentiation beforehand.Embodiments of the invention deploy and scale in a manner similar tosystems that have like nodes in a cluster, but support localizedbroadcast messaging with once and only once delivery.

Referring now to FIG. 4, these concepts will be described in greaterdetail. As depicted, a set (at least one) of message publishers 80A-Ncan publish messages to queue 83 of message queue server 82. Under anembodiment of the present invention message queue server 82 will selecta single node (e.g., node 84A) from a plurality of like/heterogeneousnodes 84A-N (also referred to as message consumers 84A-N forillustrative purposes). In a typical embodiment, nodes 84A-N arecomputerized devices such as application servers. To this extent, nodes84A-N typically have similar or substantially identical softwareimplemented thereon. In any event, the selection of a single node (e.g.,node 84A) from plurality of nodes 84A-N by message queue server 82 canbe based upon any methodology. For example, the selection could be basedon a next-in-line or round-robin fashion. Alternatively, the selectionof a particular node could be based upon a best available node (e.g.,the node with the most available resources). Regardless, assuming inthis example that node 84A was selected, the message would be sent frommessage queue 83 only to node 84A.

Once in receipt of the message, node 84A would process the same andidentify a set of message listeners to whom the message should bebroadcast. In a typical embodiment, the set of listeners is identifiedbased upon a topic of the message. That is, once a topic of the messageis determined, an association (e.g., table or the like) 86 of topics tocorresponding message listeners is accessed and used to determine themessage listeners that should receive the message. Once this isdetermined, the message will be broadcast to those message listeners90A-B. Broadcasting of the message can occur directly from node 84A, orby leveraging a broadcast component 88A-N. In publishing the message,node 84A can perform all processing functions without the need forrepetition by other nodes. Along these lines, node 84A will track adelivery of the message, process and route any responses, etc. As shownin FIG. 4, when a message is sent to a single node 84A, there is no needfor node 84N, message broadcast function 88N or message listeners 90C-Nto get involved in the process (unless their involvement is desired).This allows delivery and processing of a message to one and only onenode 84A.

These concepts are further illustrated by the method flow diagram ofFIG. 5. As shown in step S1, a message is received in a message queue.In step S2, a single node is selected from a plurality of nodes. In stepS3, the message is processed on the single node. In step S4, a set ofmessage listeners is identified to receive the message based on a topicof the message using the single node. In step S5, the message isbroadcast to the set of message listeners from the single node.

While shown and described herein as a message broadcast solution, it isunderstood that the invention further provides various alternativeembodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-readable/useable medium that includes computer program code toenable a computer infrastructure to provide message broadcastfunctionality as discussed herein. To this extent, thecomputer-readable/useable medium includes program code that implementseach of the various processes of the invention. It is understood thatthe terms computer-readable medium or computer-useable medium compriseone or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. Inparticular, the computer-readable/useable medium can comprise programcode embodied on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture(e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or moredata storage portions of a computing device, such as memory 28 (FIG. 1)and/or storage system 34 (FIG. 1) (e.g., a fixed disk, a read-onlymemory, a random access memory, a cache memory, etc.).

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method that performs theprocess of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or feebasis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, couldoffer to provide message broadcast. In this case, the service providercan create, maintain, support, etc., a computer infrastructure, such ascomputer system 12 (FIG. 1) that performs the processes of the inventionfor one or more consumers. In return, the service provider can receivepayment from the consumer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreementand/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale ofadvertising content to one or more third parties.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-implemented method for providing message broadcastfunctionality. In this case, a computer infrastructure, such as computersystem 12 (FIG. 1), can be provided and one or more systems forperforming the processes of the invention can be obtained (e.g.,created, purchased, used, modified, etc.) and deployed to the computerinfrastructure. To this extent, the deployment of a system can compriseone or more of: (1) installing program code on a computing device, suchas computer system 12 (FIG. 1), from a computer-readable medium; (2)adding one or more computing devices to the computer infrastructure; and(3) incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of thecomputer infrastructure to enable the computer infrastructure to performthe processes of the invention.

As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and“computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in anylanguage, code, or notation, of a set of instructions intended to causea computing device having an information processing capability toperform a particular function either directly or after either or both ofthe following: (a) conversion to another language, code, or notation;and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. To this extent,program code can be embodied as one or more of: an application/softwareprogram, component software/a library of functions, an operating system,a basic device system/driver for a particular computing device, and thelike.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode can be provided hereunder and can include at least one processorcommunicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to memory element(s)through a system bus. The memory elements can include, but are notlimited to, local memory employed during actual execution of the programcode, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage ofat least some program code in order to reduce the number of times codemust be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/outputand/or other external devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards,displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system eitherdirectly or through intervening device controllers.

Network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems,remote printers, storage devices, and/or the like, through anycombination of intervening private or public networks. Illustrativenetwork adapters include, but are not limited to, modems, cable modems,and Ethernet cards.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to aperson skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

What is claim is:
 1. A method for message broadcasting in a clusteredcomputing environment, comprising: receiving a message in a messagequeue; selecting a single node from a plurality of substantially similarnodes in a cluster having substantially identical software in theclustered computing environment to process the message, wherein thesingle node is selected based on an availability of resources to thesingle node; sending, in response to the selecting, the message from thequeue to the single node without sending the message to any other nodesof the plurality of nodes; processing the message on the single node;identifying, by the single node, a subset of a set of message listenersto receive the message based on a topic of the message using the singlenode; broadcasting the message to the subset of message listeners fromthe single node, without sending the message to any other nodes of theplurality of nodes; publishing, by the single node, the message to thesubset of message listeners; tracking, by the single node, at least oneof: a message delivery and a response, from at least one messagelistener of the subset of message listeners; and routing, by the singlenode, the at least one of: a message delivery and a response, from theat least one message listener of the subset of message listeners.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising, based on responses received atthe single node from the set of message listeners, tracking a receipt ofthe message by the set of message listeners at the single node.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, the single node being an application server, and theplurality of nodes being a plurality of application servers.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising associating the topic with the setof message listeners.
 5. The method of claim 1, each of the plurality ofnodes having a common set of applications installed thereon.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, the clustered computing environment being a Cloudcomputing environment.
 7. The method of claim 1, the single node beingidentified based on a best availability within the plurality of nodes.8. A system for message broadcasting in a clustered computingenvironment, comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to the bus; and amemory medium coupled to the bus, the memory medium comprisinginstructions to: receive a message in a message queue; select a singlenode from a plurality of substantially similar nodes in a cluster havingsubstantially identical software in the clustered computing environmentto process the message, wherein the single node is selected based on anavailability of resources to the single node; send, in response to theselection, the message from the queue to the single node without sendingthe message to any other nodes of the plurality of nodes; process themessage on the single node; identify, by the single node, a subset of aset of message listeners to receive the message based on a topic of themessage using the single node; broadcast the message to the subset ofmessage listeners from the single node, without sending the message toany other nodes of the plurality of nodes; publish, by the single node,the message to the subset of message listeners; track, by the singlenode, at least one of: a message delivery and a response, from at leastone message listener of the subset of message listeners; and route, bythe single node, a delivery confirmation and a response from at leastone message listener.
 9. The system of claim 8, the memory mediumfurther comprising instructions to, based on responses received at thesingle node from the set of message listeners, track a receipt of themessage by the set of message listeners at the single node.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8, the single node being an application server, and theplurality of nodes being a plurality of application servers.
 11. Thesystem of claim 8, the memory medium further comprising instructions toassociate the topic with the set of message listeners.
 12. The system ofclaim 8, each of the plurality of nodes having a common set ofapplications installed thereon.
 13. The system of claim 8, the clusteredcomputing environment being a Cloud computing environment.
 14. Thesystem of claim 8, the single node being identified based on a bestavailability within the plurality of nodes.
 15. A computer programproduct for message broadcasting in a clustered computing environment,the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium, and program instructions stored on thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium, to: receive a messagein a message queue; select a single node from a plurality ofsubstantially similar nodes in a cluster having substantially identicalsoftware in the clustered computing environment to process the message,wherein the single node is selected based on an availability ofresources to the single node; send, in response to the selection, themessage from the queue to the single node without sending the message toany other nodes of the plurality of nodes; process the message on thesingle node; identify, by the single node, a subset of a set of messagelisteners to receive the message based on a topic of the message usingthe single node; broadcast the message to the subset of messagelisteners from the single node, without sending the message to any othernodes of the plurality of nodes; publish, by the single node, themessage to the subset of message listeners; track, by the single node,at least one of: a message delivery and a response, from at least onemessage listener of the subset of message listeners; and route, by thesingle, node a delivery confirmation and a response from at least onemessage listener.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, furthercomprising program instructions stored on the non-transitory computerreadable storage medium to, based on responses received at the singlenode from the set of message listeners, track a receipt of the messageby the set of message listeners at the single node.
 17. The computerprogram product of claim 15, the single node being an applicationserver, and the plurality of nodes being a plurality of applicationservers.
 18. The computer program product of claim 15, furthercomprising program instructions stored on the non-transitory computerreadable storage medium to associate the topic with the set of messagelisteners.
 19. The computer program product of claim 15, each of theplurality of nodes having a common set of applications installedthereon.
 20. The computer program product of claim 15, the clusteredcomputing environment being a Cloud computing environment.
 21. Thecomputer program product of claim 15, the single node being identifiedbased on a best availability within the plurality of nodes.
 22. A methodfor deploying a system for message broadcasting in a clustered computingenvironment, comprising: providing a computer infrastructure havingfunctionality to: receive a message in a message queue; select a singlenode from a plurality of substantially similar nodes in a cluster havingsubstantially identical software in the clustered computing environmentto process the message, wherein the single node is selected based on anavailability of resources to the single node; send, in response to theselection, the message from the queue to the single node without sendingthe message to any other nodes of the plurality of nodes; process themessage on the single node; identify, by the single node, a subset of aset of message listeners to receive the message based on a topic of themessage using the single node; and broadcast the message to the subsetof message listeners from the single node without sending the message toany other nodes of the plurality of nodes; publish, by the single node,the message to the subset of message listeners; track, by the singlenode, at least one of: a message delivery and a response, from at leastone message listener of the subset of message listeners; and route bythe single node a delivery confirmation and a response from at least onemessage listener.